The 10 Scariest Things About Car Key Cutting Cost

How to Cut Your Car Key Cutting Cost

Losing your car keys is not an ideal idea. AutoZone offers the technology and replacement parts you need to replace your car key without paying a dealership's high costs.

Bring a key that is working to an AutoZone store and an associate will match the contours on site with a key cutting machine. It's about 20% less than buying through the dealer.

Keys with Transponder Chips

Modern cars come with key fobs, which provide security and convenience for car owners. These devices are not free. In some instances, it can be quite high to replace a lost or damaged key fob. The good news is that there are methods to reduce the cost associated with these devices. It's cheaper to get a spare car key today instead of waiting until you lose the key and are confronted with the expense of the visit of a locksmith or towing fees.

The transponder chip (which is named after the words "transmitter + responder") has been a feature of most cars since the mid 1990s. The technology was developed in response to the increasing rate of car theft. Essentially, the chip in a car transponder transmits signals that contain an encrypted password. When the key is inserted into ignition, an antenna ring surrounding the ignition cylinder detects this signal and when it matches the password, the engine is started. This is crucial because the majority of thieves will simply hot-wire the vehicle and drive off.

Transponder chips operate on the same principle as the microchips found in computers and cell phones. The different is that they do not require constant power to operate. Instead, they transmit an electromagnetic signal of low frequency which can be detected by special receivers placed in the ignition key's cylinder or on the head itself.

We suggest visiting your local locksmith if in need of a spare key for your vehicle that has a transponder. Most locksmiths will have a tool to program new keys to the specific make and model of your car keys cut by code. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership.

It's also important to remember that some stores such as AutoZone offer a key programming service. They usually charge more than professional locksmiths. This is because they are able to take advantage of the "scaling" effect that occurs when the quantity of units sold increases. They can then pass on the savings to consumers.

Keys with Electronics

Modern keys are equipped with transponders or chips that are connected to the car when the key is inserted into the ignition. These keys are more costly to replace than traditional keys as they require programming, which must be completed by an auto locksmith or dealership. This process can cost up to $500 for a new key, and reprogramming of the immobilizer, and possibly labor charges.

The best way to avoid cost of replacing car keys is to not require them in the first place. That means having a spare key in case you lose the original. You can purchase an additional key for $25 to $50 at a box store or hardware shop, based on the type of key.

Many people are unaware that they can purchase replacement keys from the manufacturer online at a discounted price. The advantage of purchasing the factory key is that it will be equipped with the proper transponder chip. This is crucial because you won't be in a position to use an aftermarket key unless it has been professionally programmed.

The majority of hardware stores and box shops do not have the equipment to program modern car keys They can only offer basic duplication services. You can bring them to a dealer or a reputable auto repair shop, or a locksmith to get them replaced.

Another thing to think about is that if you're thinking of purchasing a key for a low price from an online retailer, you'll need ensure that it's not programmed to someone else's car. This can be done by examining the key blade to find a chip or for the cutout to see if it shows evidence of the previous key.

A key duplication machine is another option however, it's not cost-effective for the majority of people. The machinery usually costs more than the blank keys themselves and you'll need cut a lot of keys in order to break even. If you're not comfortable with this, a vice and hand file are a more affordable option. This isn't the most secure option as it could damage the key's electronic components or even break the key inside the lock.

Keys with Key Fobs

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that are remote controls to lock your car, unlock it and also to start the engine. These are tiny remote transmitters which communicate with the computer onboard of your vehicle using radio waves. They are a great benefit for drivers but can be costly to duplicate or replace if lost.

Unlike traditional keys, which require a reputable locksmith, automotive dealer or a different specialist service provider to create keys, key fobs have sophisticated electronic components and are more expensive to manufacture than their basic counterparts. Key fobs must also be programmed prior to working with your vehicle, which could add up in cost too.

A new key and fob can cost up to $300 when you lose your only functional fob. Consumer Reports claims that you can cut the cost of a new fob by up to 50% if you purchase it online. Amazon, Walmart, or an auto-parts store might have keys that are compatible with the car model you have. Some of these key fobs will need to be programmed or laser-cut by the dealer in your area. However, many can be programmed by the customer.

Standard key fobs are much cheaper than more advanced models to replace as they don't contain an embedded chip that has to be programmed after the fact. While they can be expensive to duplicate if you have to create a template for a lost or damaged key The cost is far less than buying a new set of keys from a car dealer.

Another option to reduce your key cutting costs is by simply buying an entirely new shell for your existing key fob. Batteries Plus has a range of shells that can replace the plastic exterior of your keychain and buttons, but leave the electronics intact. They're a cost-effective method to refresh your keychain and spare you the headache of trying to make an appointment at the dealership.

Keys with Keyless Entry

The car key fob comes with numerous advantages. They let you lock and unlock your vehicle without having to search for your keys, especially when you're carrying heavy groceries or other weights in your hands. They can also help you open your hatch and trunk, if they have this functionality built in.

The downside to these types of keys is that they frequently drain the battery and make it difficult to use them for long periods of time. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, they might also be difficult to program. Many key cutting open now fobs are easily repaired by purchasing new ones from third-party providers like Pop-A-Lock. If you search online or in your local hardware store, you can often find them at less than the dealer-supplied options.

If you have a standard key, duplication costs are usually very low and range between $10 and $15. You might also be able to buy an alternative at your local hardware store or box chain store. Keys that are newer and require specialized encoding usually cost more to replace, however. These keys are typically laser-cut, and are sometimes called sidewinder or high-security keys. These keys have a thicker blade and have fewer grooves on the shank. They must be programmed using a special machine at a locksmith or dealership.

It can be expensive to replace a key with microchips and it is often necessary to visit the dealer to have the replacement coded. These keys are also referred to as transponder or smart keys. They have electronics that need to be verified before they can be used to open doors or start your engine. Dealers will charge between $150 to $300 for a key that comes with the key fob and transponder chips.

Keys with keyless entry may be costly to replace if you lose them or your key fob battery is dead. Most modern cars have these keys, which function by transmitting a signal from the key fob to a device in your car. The car locks or unlocks itself in accordance with this signal. It also opens the trunk and hatch when the key is close to the receiver.